News List

Jan. 25, 2013Here is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on events at City Hall.

Mayor to Present 2013 State of the City Address
Mayor Bob Townsend will give the annual State of the City address at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Eisemann Center. The presentation will include a review of the City’s accomplishments in the past year and a preview of what’s ahead.
Parking and attendance are free and open to the public. The address will be shown live on the City’s website at www.cor.net/stateofthecity and on Time Warner Cable channel 16 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99. It will also be replayed on the City’s TV channels through February and on demand through the website.

Uncle Kracker to Perform at Wildflower! Festival

Rock/country singer Uncle Kracker will perform at this year’s Wildflower! Richardson’s Arts & Music Festival, set for May 17-19 at Galatyn Park. He will be one of the headlining acts on Friday, May 17.

Festival organizers made the announcement on Wednesday morning on the Wildflower! Facebook page. Fans of the Wildflower! Facebook page will be the first to know about additional performer announcements as they are posted to the site in the coming weeks.

The information will also be included on the Festival’s website, the City’s homepage, and the Richardson Today Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Christmas “Tree-Cycling” Ends Thursday
Now through Thursday, Jan. 31, Richardson residents may “tree cycle” their Christmas trees by dropping them off at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr. The site is open 24 hours seven days a week. Residents may also call 972-744-4111 to request a FREE Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), then set the tree out at the front curb for collection.

All trees must be natural and unflocked, with all ornaments, tinsel, lights and other decorative items removed. Calls for BABIC must be received before the designated collection day (your BABIC day is the same as your recycling day).

The trees are shredded, mulched and taken to a composting site in Melissa. In three to four months, the organic material becomes yard compost, some of which is used on Richardson golf courses, ornamental medians and landscaping projects.

City Hall Resumes Normal Operations
City services at Richardson City Hall resumed normal operations on Wednesday after a water pipe break on Jan. 10 resulted in flooding to parts of the building. Several departments set up temporary offices within the building and were able to provide services.

Tax Preparation Help Starts Feb. 1
Tax-Aide, sponsored by AARP and the IRS, will provide free tax return preparation and e-filing for low to moderate income taxpayers, with an emphasis on seniors. The service will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays beginning Feb. 1 at the Senior Center and noon to 4 p.m. Mondays beginning Feb. 4 at the Richardson Public Library.

The service is offered first come, first served. People should bring Social Security cards and all pertinent tax forms, including Social Security statements.

“Video Games Live” at Eisemann Center

“Video Games Live” will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Eisemann Center. The show is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Produced and hosted by superstar game industry veteran Tommy Tallarico, the performance will also include the RISD All-City Orchestra and Chorus along with exclusive video, music, lighting, solo performers and more.

Richardson Community Band to Perform at Eisemann Center
The Richardson Community Band will perform “In the Good Ol’ Summertime” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Eisemann Center. The show will feature favorite selections from summer concerts, including "Semper Fidelis,” “America the Beautiful,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

The group is comprised of guitarist Adam Levin and violinist William Knuth, who will perform original transcriptions of Baroque pieces and the world premiere of "Jardin Bajo la Luna," written by Spanish composer David Del Puerto.

The concert is open to the public and free for UT Dallas students. General admission tickets cost $20. Tickets may be purchased at the door one hour before show time or in advance by calling 972-883-2552 or visiting http://bit.ly/b2od3o.

Professional Organizer to Speak at Library
Professional Organizer Allison Venuto will give a presentation 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Richardson Public Library’s Basement Program Room. She will share the most critical steps to quickly clear out a space and discover how to go forward with a new attitude about clutter.

The program is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required. For more information, call Janet Vance at 972-744-4376.

Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the Week
This is Elsie. She is two years old, spayed female, catahoula mix, about 82 pounds and is up to date on all her vaccinations. She's very active and playful and would do best in a home without other dogs. Very well behaved and knows basic commands. Contact the Animal Shelter (972-744-4480) about Elsie or other animals available for adoption.